Alca i

Alca i was inspired by Colin Archer and designed by George Buehler (from Whidbey Island). She was constructed in 2003 to subarctic exploration vessel standards with 2″ thick oak plank on frame construction and then encapsulated with two to four layers of fiberglass/epoxy resin for the purpose of conducting research in the Northwest Atlantic on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution. Alca i is equipped with seven water-tight bulkheads, three water-tight and three weather-tight doors as well as redundant fresh water and fuel tankage, electrical generation and hydraulic systems to provide added safety and security for operating in remote, harsh environments. Upgrades by her current owner include roller-furling jib and foremast main stays’l, stack pack sail covers for main and mizzen sails, extensive LED lighting throughout, nine additional hatches for enhanced light and ventilation, 1,800 watts of solar cells, modification of pilothouse roof for water catchment, water maker, washer-dryer, Wallace diesel range top and oven, dual voltage refrigerator/freezers with drawers, 5 horn air horn from diesel locomotive, installation of cameras for enhanced visibility in front of the bow, remote-controlled anchor windlass, remote-controlled autopilot, Airhead composting toilet and two wood-burning Navigator stoves for onboard comfort over the winter months.